What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
conformance
Example
The company's products are in conformance with industry standards. [conformance: noun]
Example
The software must be tested for conformance to the established protocols. [conformance: preposition]
adherence
Example
The employees must demonstrate adherence to the company's code of conduct. [adherence: noun]
Example
The patient's strict adherence to the medication schedule led to a successful recovery. [adherence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adherence is more commonly used than conformance in everyday language. Adherence is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while conformance is more technical and specific to certain fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between conformance and adherence?
Both conformance and adherence can be used in professional or formal contexts, but conformance is more technical and may be more appropriate in specialized fields such as quality control or engineering.
